Asia has no shortage of popular destinations for digital nomads, but some of the most rewarding places are the ones that don’t get much attention.
This article looks at countries that receive fewer tourists yet still offer a good lifestyle for remote work. The following five countries are calm, interesting, and easy enough to settle into for a while.
You won't find big crowds or polished nomad hubs here, just places with their own rhythm and room to breathe. If you’re curious about trying something quieter, these five countries are a good place to start.
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#1 🇱🇦 Laos
Laos is one of Southeast Asia’s most overlooked gems for digital nomads. It is calm, affordable, and full of natural beauty. It’s uniquely positioned between Thailand and Vietnam, making cross-border travel simple, while still offering a much slower pace than its busy neighbors.
Nomads come here for the waterfalls, mountain towns, temples, and that unmistakable "Jungle Book" atmosphere.
If you base yourself in Luang Prabang, you’ll find The Desk, a coworking space that attracts writers, designers, and nomads who prefer quiet focus over hustle culture. Laos is well-suited for slow travelers, so people who want nature, inspiration, and gentle routines rather than a party scene. If you want a deeper dive, you can link to your Laos guide on Genki’s site, even if it’s due for an update.
Sarah Kuhlemann
#2 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of Asia’s most underrated nomad destinations, offering a mix of beaches, surf towns, wildlife, and ancient culture — all within a few hours’ travel from each other. It’s easy to reach from tourist hubs such as Bangkok, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore, and once you’re there, getting around the island is affordable and straightforward.
Nomads love it for the balance of abundant natural beauty, a friendly local culture, and pockets of solid infrastructure, without the crowds of Bali or Thailand. When visiting Sri Lanka, check out Outpost Coliving in Weligama.
Sarah Kuhlemann
#3 🇹🇼 Taiwan
Taiwan is one of the easiest places in Asia for digital nomads to settle into, yet it stays surprisingly under the radar. It offers reliable high-speed internet, safe cities, great public transport, and a café culture that makes it easy to hop from place to place.
With direct flights from all over Asia, including Japan, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, its capital, Taipei, is extremely well connected.
Sarah Kuhlemann
#4 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan
Bishkek has cozy cafés, coworking spaces, fast internet, and a small but welcoming international community, yet the country still receives far fewer tourists than its neighbors. Thanks to visa-free entry for many nationalities and affordable living costs, it’s a great alternative for nomads.
Outside the capital, life slows down. Hike to Issyk-Kul Lake and Ala-Archa National Park, experience unique yurt stays in the countryside, or try out horseback riding in the Tien Shan Mountains. The best time is spring and autumn with mild temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius.
Becca
#5 🇳🇵 Nepal
Despite bordering two tourism giants (India and China), Nepal feels calm and grounded, and it’s far easier to navigate than many first-time visitors expect. Kathmandu and Pokhara both offer working-friendly cafés, reliable internet, coworking spaces, and a nomad scene that’s small but welcoming.
Nepal attracts digital nomads who prefer a slower pace of life, fewer events and festivals, but more outdoor activities and cafe-hopping. You don't need to skip Nepal just because you won't trek Mount Everest.
Sarah Kuhlemann
Sarah Kuhlemann
Sarah Kuhlemann
